GOP dismisses CBO report on healthcare

House and Senate Republicans dismissed a budget estimate of Democrats' health bill on Thursday, vowing to defeat the reform package.

Following a closed-door meeting of both House and Senate Republicans, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said they would work to defeat healthcare reform legislation in the House, which is expected to come up for a vote on Sunday.

"They can tweak this thing, and still it's a trillion dollars they're going to spend," Boehner said in response to new budget office numbers.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated Thursday that the current health reform package before the House would cost $940 billion over the next 10 years, but save $130 billion over the same time period. The plan is expected to save taxpayers $1.2 trillion during its second decade in effect.

"The American people know we're broke," Boehner told reporters at the Capitol. "The last thing we need to do is add debt to our kids and grandkids."

McConnell implored House Democrats to join with Republicans defeat the bill when it comes up for a vote.

"It's not too late," McConnell said during a press availability. "All we need is enough Democrats in the House to do the right thing for the American people."

"Our plan is for it to not come to the Senate," the Senate GOP leader added when asked what his plans were. "Our plan is for it to be defeated in the House over the next few days."